Luxemburgo, who is now managing Grêmio in the Brasileirão, believes instead that Santos wonderkid Neymar could be the best in the world - without leaving Brazil.

The veteran coach is not the first from his country to question European footballing achievements, with Muricy Ramalho last year insisting that coaches in Europe were not greatuntil they had tried managing in Brazil.

Talking to a pre-match press conference, Luxemburgo questioned: "If he's the world's best player, why are we excluding South America? How many world titles has South America won?"

"I think Neymar can be the best in the world only playing in Brazil. He doesn't need to go to Europe. He is winning here what he would win there, the coaches are giving him what they could give in Europe.

"Why is Messi the best in the world if he doesn't play against Flamengo, or Corinthians? Only because he played against Milan?"